Platform Comparison of Turing vs Upwork
These two talent acquisition platforms streamline recruitment and improve candidate experiences. One focuses on AI-driven solutions, while the other offers a comprehensive HR tech suite. This comparison helps identify which best suits your business needs.
Features
Explore the features that world-leading companies take advantage of to optimize their hiring process.
Features
Contextual AI-Based Candidate Discovery
Skill Adjacency Matching
Talent Rediscovery & Nurturing
Behavioral Analysis
Uses a deep vetting process, which includes soft-skill evaluations alongside technical assessments to gauge fit
Upwork does not currently include behavioral or personality testing features.
Bias Detection & DEI Tools
AI-Powered CRM & Engagement
Internal Mobility Solutions
Dynamic Workforce Planning
Not a primary feature of Turing - which centers on immediate external hiring needs
Through its Enterprise solutions, Upwork provides data-driven workforce planning for companies managing contingent workforces, especially for large organizations.
Gamified Candidate Assessments
Does not offer gamified assessment tools and rather conducts rigorous technical assessments
Does not use gamified assessments but rather relies on skill-based profiles and past project performance.
Market Insights & Predictive Analytics
ATS Integration
Features Conclusion
- Turing specializes in sourcing pre-vetted, high-quality remote software developers. Their AI-driven platform matches clients with developers based on specific project needs, emphasizing long-term, full-time engagements.
- Upwork offers a broad marketplace connecting clients with freelancers across various domains, including software development, design, and writing. It provides tools for time tracking, milestone management, and secure payments, catering to both short-term and long-term projects.
Pricing
Discover how top companies take advantage of flexible, scalable pricing models to optimize their recruitment efforts.
Pricing Model not Disclosed
- Rather consists of hourly rates for developers, ranging from approximately $100 to $250 per hour depending on the developer's experience level and skill set
- Two-Week Free Trial: New clients are offered a two-week free trial period with their chosen developer, allowing companies to assess the fit before committing to a longer-term engagement.
- No Upfront Fees: There are no initial recruitment costs, and payment only begins after the free trial if the client chooses to continue with the developer.
- Commission Structure: Turing charges a commission fee after the trial, though specific amounts are generally undisclosed and may vary based on project scope and developer qualifications
Pricing not Disclosed*
- Freelancer Fees:
- Service Fee: Flat 10% on all contracts.
- Membership Plans: Optional plans like Freelancer Plus at $14.99/month for additional visibility and insights.
- Client Fees:
- Marketplace Fee: 5% fee on each payment to freelancers (discounted to 3% for U.S. clients using ACH payments).
- Contract Initiation Fee: One-time fee of up to $4.95 per contract.
- Enterprise Solutions:
- Enterprise Service Fee: Approximately 10% on services for large-scale clients, including advanced tools like vendor management and reporting.
- Additional Charges:
- Withdrawal fees apply for freelancers based on payment method (e.g., $0.99 for international transfers outside the U.S.).
*Custom Quotes are available upon request for tailored solutions and additional features, especially for Enterprise clients.
Features Conclusion
- Turing offers a flexible pricing model tailored to each client's specific requirements, focusing on full-time remote software engineers. While exact figures aren't publicly disclosed, Turing provides a two-week risk-free trial to ensure satisfaction before proceeding with a full-time hire.
- Upwork operates on a per-project or per-hour basis, with rates varying widely based on the freelancer's expertise and the project's scope. Clients pay a 3% payment processing and administration fee on all payments to freelancers. Freelancers are charged a 10% service fee on their earnings.
Reviews
Read real user reviews and testimonials to discover how businesses have found top talent, streamlined hiring, and improved overall efficiency.
"An excellent platform for remote developers to get top Silicon Valley jobs"
What do you like best about Turing.com?
Turing hires only the best developers. Also, it has been ranked as the top 10 Most Innovative Workplaces, according to FastCompany. I found the Turing test to be very challenging. But it was a good learning experience for me
What do you dislike about Turing.com?
As it hires only top developers, its vetting process is very meticulous.
What problems is Turing.com solving and how is that benefiting you?
Since Turing offers flexible working hours, I can work according to my convenience. Now I can make time to play football spend more time with my family.
"Great Platform for Freelancers, but needs a good amount of Improvement"
What do you like best about Upwork?
Upwork offers a vast area for freelancers across number of industries, making it easy to find freelance work. Its user-friendly interface allows quick navigation and clear communication between clients and freelancers. The filter features make it easy to find relevant projects, and the review and rating system helps to build trust and credibility. It is easy to use for anyone, and their consumer support is somewhat better than other apps.
What do you dislike about Upwork?
The service fees is very high, for new freelancers who haven’t built long-term contracts, as Upwork takes a good percentage from earnings. Also, the platform can become saturated, making it difficult for new freelancers to compete. The customer support, while responsive, sometimes lacks depth in resolving more complex issues. And the ease of integration is not at all there.
What problems is Upwork solving and how is that benefiting you?
Upwork solves the problem of connecting freelancers with clients on a universal scale, making it easier for businesses to find specialized talent and for freelancers to find steady work. For freelancers like me, Upwork provides a platform that removes geographical barriers, offering access to a large pool of clients from number of industries. The streamlined process of submitting proposals, negotiating terms, and securing payments reduces the friction involved in traditional freelancing.
Summary
Which one is better?
- Turing is ideal for companies seeking specialized, pre-vetted software developers for full-time, long-term roles, providing a curated talent pool and a risk-free trial period.
- Upwork is better suited for businesses requiring flexibility across a diverse range of skills and project types, accommodating various budgets and timelines.
The choice between the two platforms depends on your organization's specific needs, project scope, and budget considerations.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!
After reading this section, if you still have questions, feel free to contact us however you want.
JoinArena connects you with the top 3% of remote professionals, pre-screened for skills, communication, and experience.
From VAs and SDRs to designers and marketers, you get job-ready candidates available to hire within 24–48 hours.
Candidates complete a 20-minute AI-led interview and are graded on communication skills, past experience, portfolios, and role-specific scenarios.
Only top scorers are approved after a human review, ensuring consistent quality across our talent pool.
Being in our talent pool means your profile is actively showcased to top U.S. companies hiring through our platform. While we regularly source new opportunities for our talent pool, it's important to note that companies select only a few candidates for their roles. We recommend continuing your job search elsewhere while keeping your JoinArena profile up-to-date to maximize your chances of landing new opportunities that match your skills and experience.
You can hire:
- Virtual Assistants (VAs)
- SDRs and Sales Agents
- Designers (UI/UX, Brand, Product)
- Project & Product Managers
- Customer Support Reps
…and other key business roles
Absolutely.
JoinArena helps you hire elite offshore talent from India, LATAM, and Southeast Asia — often at 50–70% lower cost than U.S. hires, without sacrificing quality.
JoinArena only lists professionals who’ve passed a structured vetting process — no unverified freelancers.
You get reliable, proven talent with consistent quality and zero guesswork.
Yes.
You can filter candidates by skill, role, location, availability, and hourly rate — so you always find the right fit for your budget and needs.
JoinArena supports both.
Whether you need a part-time VA or a full-time remote marketer, our platform has flexible options tailored to your growth stage.
In most cases, companies hire and start working with a candidate within 48 hours.
No job posting delays, no long hiring cycles — just fast, curated matches.
Nope.
You can hire flexibly, with no commitments. Pay as you go and scale your team up or down based on your needs.
Find the Right Expert
